Volume 26 Issue 9 by AFRAMNEWS.COM

March 21, 2021

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Vol. 26, Issue 09

“Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”

THE HONORABLE SENFRONIA THOMPSON By: N.L. Preston

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we salute Texas Representative Senfronia Thompson, who was just honored by Booker T. Washington High School, her alma mater, with the auditorium being named after her. The honor is well-deserved for a woman who has been a true champion fighting for social, economic and Thompson cont’d page 7

- CHIEF TROY FINNER -

IT’S ABOUT TIME

By: Roy Douglas Malonson

All eyes were on Mayor Sylvester Turner this week as he had a tough decision of determining who would fill the role left vacant by Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, who decided to leave the Bayou City to lead the Miami Police Department. The people were left to wonder, who would be our next ‘top cop’? Well, the wait is over and, it really was the obvious long overdue choice. Troy Finner is the new chief of police. “Executive Assistant Chief Finner is highly regarded in the Houston Police Department and has earned the trust and respect of our diverse com-

munity. He possesses a style of leadership best described as quiet with a strong demeanor,” said Mayor Turner. “He has never hesitated to lead from the front during major events, civil unrest, and protests. He embraces the use of technology and datadriven analysis in the reduction of crime.” Acevedo said he was not looking for a new position when he was presented with the offer to serve as chief of police in Miami, but decided to take the opportunity due to the fact that this is Turner’s final term as mayor, ending in January 2024. It is customary for new administrations to bring in their own leadership teams. Acevedo assured that Finner cont’d page 7

TSU MARCH MADNESS

The Texas Southern University Men’s Basketball Team has scored another historical win for HBCUs after beating Mount Saint Mary’s, who is one of the nation’s top 25 colleges, 60-52 in the first NCAA tournament game of the season. Due to the COVID pandemic, there hasn’t been an NCAA game since Virginia beat Texas Tech on April 8, 2019 — a span of 710 days. After multiple setbacks and delays, the Tigers were forced to play four TSU cont’d page 4

WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY • AVOID PUBLIC SPACES OR EVENTS WITH MORE THAN 10 PATRONS • SANITIZE AND STOCK UP • AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH • PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE

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March 21, 2021

EDITORIAL

President/Chief Editor

Tristar

Griselda Ramirez: Production

A Revival of God

Consciousness Bobby E. Mills, PhD Office: (713) 692-1892 Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Double Minded Males Wisdom is knowledge that comes from God; but more importantly, wisdom is the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. This is why spiritually wise individuals pray for understanding. Therefore, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A doubled minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1: 5-8). God-fearing Christians should never spiritually grope in darkness for answers just ask God to guide choices. Life is about choices. Choices have consequences: good or bad. Asking God for spiritual enlightenment is asking to become Christlike. Question: why are

there so many doubleminded males in 21st century America? Has it become too spiritually difficult to live as a God-fearing man in 21st century secularized America? That is, live from the inside (internally) to the outside (externally). Doubleminded-males sever their conscience from the reality of God in order to physically exist, not spiritually/creatively live. Consequently, secularized American culture frequently and boldly promote double-minded-males in commercial TV ADS; especially Black males. The question is WHY? Is it because if you emasculate the males of a race you destroy that race, because females are the carriers of culture! And, rebirth (procreation) is divinely ordained and occurs only between males and females. Marriage is God’s Idea, and procreation is an absolute proposition. Seeking to maximize the pleasure principle is a dangerous and sometimes deadly proposition, and this is why individuals should be careful about how they seek pleasure. If you cannot understand who you are, and who you belong to, how then can you understand who others are? Nevertheless, God requires that we love each other, because He

first loved us. In fact, God says, I knew you before you were conceived in your mother’s womb. All individuals are physically born of a woman’s womb, but in order to enter the Kingdom of God individuals must become a born again Christian (rebirth by Water and Spirit). The crux of the whole matter is the breakdown of the nuclear family. Family is the basic unit of every society and when family structures breakdown a society breaks down. All things are not relative. There are some absolutes! Now, we fully understand why Jesus wept when he was asked by Mary to raise her brother, Lazarus from the dead, and bring him back from heaven/paradise to this sinful earth. Jesus loved Lazarus and his two sisters, and he knew that Lazarus’s sickness was not unto death, but the glory of God. This is a spiritual warning especially to Black males be extremely careful/ thoughtful about how and where you obtain your pleasure, because God is not mocked nor fooled, you shall reap what you sow. God gave Noah the rainbow sign: “No More Water The Fire Next Time.” Selah! - AANI

Partin’ the Waters By Omowale Luthuli-Allen

David had to go after Goliath The living dead wants to roll us back to Jim Crow laws and a subordinate position in American life. I know you have been reading between the lines but let me be more explicit. We

have elected a President, Congress and an Attorney General and it is high time to strike back against the Neo-Confederates in Texas and the nation. This is a unique opportunity to put the Neo-Confederates on

their heels and backs. When President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland in 2016 for the Supreme Court, Moscow Mitch (McConnell) and the Republicans refused to give him a hearing on the basis that 2016 was a presidential year. Now, the cornerstone that was rejected is the chief law enforcement officer in America. Garland indicates that he has not forgotten his humble beginnings with this SANKOFA “never forget” moment. “I come from a fam-

ily where my grandparents fled anti-Semitism and persecution ... the country took us in and protected us, and I feel an obligation to the country to Goliath cont’d page 6

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March 21, 2021

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

KNOW YOUR HISTORY

NORBERT RILLIEUX’S ‘SWEET’ INVENTION The next time you use sugar or taste something sweet - and that is about every day -- you might want to know that a BLACK MAN once considered the most sought after chemist and engineer in Louisiana, is responsible for perfecting the way sugar was processed. Norbert Rillieux (1806-1894), was a Black “Frenchman” from Louisiana. The birth record on file in New Orleans City Hall lists him as a “quadroon libre” meaning “Mixed-race” and natural son of Vincent Rillieux and Constance Vivant. Vincent Rillieux was an inventor himself who designed a steam-operated press for baling cotton. He appears to have had a long relationship with Constance Vivant, “a free woman of color,” and one of their sons, Norbert, became what is now called a chemical engineer. As a boy, the precocious Norbert showed an interest in engineering, and his father sent him to France for his education. By the age of 24, Rillieux was an instructor in applied mechanics at the Ecole Centrale in Paris. Around 1830, Rillieux published a series of papers on steam engines and steam power. While in France, Rillieux began working on the multiple effect evaporator. As George Meade, a sugar expert, wrote in 1946: “The great scientific contribution which Rillieux made was in his recognition of the steam economies which can be effected by repeated use of the latent heat in the steam and vapors.” What Rillieux did, and what became the basis for all modern industrial evaporation, was to

harness the energy of vapors rising from the boiling sugar cane syrup and pass those vapors through several chambers, leaving in the end sugar crystals. Rillieux’s evaporator was a safer, cheaper, and more efficient way of evaporating sugar cane juice than the method then in use, the Jamaica train. In this system, teams of slaves ladled boiling sugar juice from one open kettle to another. The resulting sugar tended to be of low quality since the heat in the kettles could not be regulated, and much sugar was lost in the process of transferring juice from kettle to kettle. Some Louisiana sugar planters quickly understood the significance of Rillieux’s invention, and he returned to New Orleans in the early 1830s, years that coincided with a sugar boom. Rillieux tinkered with his invention over the next decade, and in 1843 he was hired to install an evaporator on Judah Benjamin’s Bellechasse Plantation. Benjamin, a Jewish lawyer who later served as secretary of war in the Confederacy, became Rillieux’s staunchest supporter in Louisiana sugar circles. Benjamin wrote in 1846 that sugar produced with the Rillieux apparatus was superb, the equal of “the best double-refined sugar of our northern refineries.” The success of his evaporator apparently made Rillieux, according to a contemporary, “the most sought after engineer in Louisiana,” and he acquired a large fortune. But while his invention no doubt enriched sugar planters, Rillieux was still, under the law, “a person of color” who might visit sugar plantations to install his evaporator

games in nine days and closed out by playing 10 make-up games in 20 days. The team was also severely impacted by the Texas winter storm that flooded their home court forcing them to go on the road earlier than expected. But that didn’t stop the Tiger’s from scoring a major win against Mount S. Mary’s. “I just wanted it so bad, it wasn’t even about

me. It was about going out there and beating a good team and getting it done,” said Texas Southern forward John Walker III. Walker helped to lead his team to victory, scoring a season-high of 19 points. He also grabbed a career-high, tying nine rebounds and leading the Tigers back from a 10-point halftime deficit. “They drenched me,” Walker said as he celebrated with his teammates. “I’m sitting here

TSU cont’d

but who could not sleep in the plantation house. (Nor, for that matter, could a man of Rillieux’s accomplishments be expected to stay in slave quarters. Some planters, it appears, provided Rillieux with a special house with slave servants while he visited as “a consultant.”). As the Civil War approached, the status of free blacks deteriorated with the imposition of new restrictions on their ability to move about the streets of New Orleans and other draconian laws. It was about this time that Rillieux moved back to France. In 1880, a visiting Louisiana sugar planter found Rillieux deciphering hieroglyphics at the Bibliotheque Nationale. Rillieux died in 1894 and was buried in the famed Paris cemetery of Pere Lachaise. His wife, Emily Cuckow, lived comfortably for another 18 years. -AANI

all wet, but I’ll tell you what — it’s one of the best feelings I’ve had in cold water in a long time.” This victory serves as only the second NCAA tournament win in the school’s history and by an HBCU, bringing the Tiger’s ranking to (178). The No. 16 seed team has won 10 straight, and 15 of their past 16 games. Congratulations TSU. - AANI

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March 21, 2021

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Goliath cont’d

pay back, and this is the highest, best use of my own set of skills to pay back.” The Justice Department’s initial mission was to thwart and corral the white supremacists such as the Ku Klux Klan that were trying to roll back emancipation after the southern states and Texas were defeated. They started strong but failed when federal troops and bayonets were pulled out of the South. Chapter II begins with President Joe Biden and . Atty. General Garland Garland is clear about a straight-line trajectory from the white supremacist Oklahoma bombing in 1995 that killed 168 Americans, including nine babies. The trajectory should start from the bombing and attack on Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921 that killed hundreds of people. This race massacre was incited by city officials that deputized and armed low intelligence white citizens to attack the Black community. Garland is proud of his Jewish heritage and cannot be hoodwinked. The same forces that sought to

wipe Black people out are the same forces that wanted a final solution by the death of all Jews. Many of the Neo-Confederates that participated in the January 6 Capitol insurrection wore TShirts that argued for death camps like Auschwitz and Dachau to be re-established. The murderers of James Byrd belonged to a white supremacist prison gang. No stone can be left unturned. Every white supremacist and sympathizer suspected of past or future criminal activity must be profiled and the full weight of the law must be applied. There are hundreds of U.S. attorneys in Texas. The Klan and its sympathizers must not be permitted to revive. Few Klansmen and their business and civic sponsors have ever been arrested for their crimes of terror. For what it is worth, there was a KKK Act of 1871. The people need arrests, convictions, long jail sentences for racially inspired crimes, not just wolfing and smoke. Our local acting Southern District Attorney is Jennifer Lowery. Call her and tell her that Goliath left David no choice. - AANI

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

March 21, 2021

Finner cont’d

both of his executive assistant police chiefs -- Troy Finner and Matt Slinkard -- were great candidates. Both are veteran HPD officers, serving the department for several decades each, and have a camaraderie of true brotherhood. Finner and Slinkard have a close friendship and promised each would be happy if the other got the job. This city needs healing. We need diversity. And with the racial tension of America front and center in our everyday lives, we need someone who can bridge the gap between the police department and the community. Most people said from the start, Finner fits the bill. He’s from Houston. He is a man of the people. And he remains a highly

respected force to be reckoned with known to get things done. Oftentimes when a problem arises, it is common for people in the community to say, “call Troy Finner, he can help.” From charity projects involving children, being a shoulder to lean on for grieving families and being that “been there, done that” source of inspiration for young Black males, Finner has been the person to answer the toughest calls during the toughest hours. “What people don’t realize is that I roll around this city by myself at all times of the day and night because I want to get a true picture of what’s out there,” Finner told African-American News&Issues during an interview in April 2020. The class of ’85 Madison High School

Thompson cont’d

A Houston attorney and award-winning legislator, Rep. Thompson, affectionately known by her colleagues as “Ms. T”, was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame on May 6, 2014. Throughout her illustrious career, she has proven her commitment to those less fortunate with her tireless fight for justice, equality and opportunity for all. Among her many accomplishments, Thompson has sponsored laws banning racial profiling, secured state funding to install video cameras and audio equipment in every police car to be used at all stops; ended “debtor’s prison” to prevent people from ending in a cycle of debt, jail time and license suspension simply because they cannot afford to pay their traffic tickets or other fine-only offenses, and has led the fight against human trafficking long before people even recognized what human trafficking was. She also authored the Chief Justice Jack Pope Act which increases funding for legal aid to help low-income Texans with their civil cases and the Michael Morton Act, to create a fairer criminal justice system in Texas. She is a true Texas Treasure and has become one of the best symbols of all that is possible. - AANI

criminal justice reform throughout her career, which has earned her the respect and admiration of many people from Texas and beyond. Rep. Thompson’s legacy is one built from a strong principle of faith, an unwavering defense of freedom, and a staunch belief in fairness. She exemplifies the American ideal that one person can make a difference. Thompson was born in Booth, Texas and raised in Houston. She represents District 141, which includes northeast Houston and Humble. She has the distinct honor of being the longest-serving woman and African American in Texas history. She is Dean of the Texas House of Representatives and is currently serving her 25th term. Thompson received her high school diploma from Booker T. Washington High School and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas Southern University. She has a Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University, a Juris Doctorate degree (JD) from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and a Master in International Law from the University of Houston. She is also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

AFRAMNEWS.COM 7

graduate was born in Fifth Ward but grew up in Houston’s Hiram Clarke area. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. One of six children of Leroy Finner Jr. and Nobia Finner, the father of five is “relatable.” Finner lost his oldest sister to Lupus in 2004, and two of his nephews to gun violence. “I understand the pain of loss. It helps me to understand what families go through,” he expressed. Last year, when we asked him to share his philosophies about life, he replied, “Just try to help somebody every day. For me, it’s not about my title, it’s about the relationships I have with people. When I came to this

department, I came as Troy Finner, and when I leave, I will leave as Troy Finner.” Now when it comes to the title Finner mentioned, we - along with many members of the community – are happy to now call him Chief Troy Finner. “I am grateful to Mayor Turner for this opportunity to lead the men and women of the Houston Police Department. I have spent my entire career preparing for this moment, and I will not let down the mayor or the people of Houston,” the new chief said. His appointment by the mayor will be made official on April 5. In closing, we leave you with three words - “It’s about time.” - AANI

Virtual Spring Community Meeting Please join us for one of our virtual Spring Community Meetings and Public Hearings to give input on the Draft 2021 Annual Action Plan. Approximately $48 million in Federal Entitlement Grants will be available to improve Houston’s neighborhoods and the quality of life for low- and moderate-income families over the next year. These federal grants include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/ AIDS (HOPWA), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). Staff will discuss the budget and goals included the 2021 Annual Action Plan, and staff will also discuss and accept feedback about efforts to help Houstonians impacted by the coronavirus. Ways to Particip ate Live HTV

Join us on

Facebook Live @HoustonHCDD Microsoft Teams Link: https://bit.ly/2021SPH

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

Call In US (Toll): 1-936-755-1521 English Participant Code: 388 122 65# Spanish Participant Code: 493 972 509# Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. The City of Houston (City) anticipates an allocation of $47,962,040 in federal grants and $283,938 in program income, totaling $48,245,978 for the 2021 Program Year (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022). The following tables show the proposed budgeted activities. Program Year 2021 Proposed Budgets for Federal Funds Community Development Block Grant Public Services $3,662,800 14.7% ESG Match $500,000 2.0% Public Facilities and Improvements $5,527,529 22.3% Single-Family Home Repair $5,527,530 22.3% Homebuyer Assistance $900,000 3.6% Lead-Based Paint $75,000 0.3% Economic Development $100,000 0.4% Code Enforcement $3,065,463 12.4% Housing Services $500,000 2.0% Program Administration $4,964,580 20.0% Total $24,882,902 100.0% HOME Investment Partnerships Grant Multifamily Acquisition/Rehabilitation/New Construction/Relocation/Program Delivery Single-Family Acquisition/Rehabilitation/New Construction/Relocation/Program Delivery Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program Administration Total

Operating Costs Supportive Services Project or Tenant-based Rental Assistance Short-Term, Rent, Mortgage & Utility Assistance Resource Identification Grantee Administration Sponsor Administration Total

$5,143,523

49.3%

$1,745,926

16.7%

$2,500,000 $1,043,272 $10,432,721

24.0% 10.0% 100.0%

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Grant $2,351,795 $2,268,670 $2,535,172 $2,535,172 $105,518 $326,544 $761,936 $10,884,807 Emergency Solutions Grant

Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Emergency Shelter Homeless Prevention Rapid Re-Housing Administration Total

$84,222 $757,997 $536,915 $568,498 $157,916 $2,105,548

21.6% 20.8% 23.3% 23.3% 1.0% 3.0% 7.0% 100.0% 4.0% 36.0% 25.5% 27.0% 7.5% 100.0%

Public Review and Comment Period View the Draft 2021 Annual Action Plan at the following locations: • Online at https://houstontx.gov/housing/public-hearing/ • HCDD – 2100 Travis Street, 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 (Copies may also be obtained at this location)

The general public may comment on the Draft 2021 Annual Action Plan during the 30-day comment period extending from March 17, 2020 to April 16, 2020. Public comments may be submitted by email to: HCDDPlanning@houstontx.gov or by mail: HCDD, ATTN: Planning, 2100 Travis Street, 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 or leave a voicemail at 832-394-5400. Summaries of public comments and responses will be available in the ﬁnal versions of the 2021 Annual Action Plan.

For additional information or to request special arrangements for the live virtual meetings (interpreter or other), contact Ashley Lawson at (832) 394-5438 or Ashley.Lawson@houstontx.gov. For speciﬁc questions or concerns about fair housing or landlord/tenant relations, please contact Yolanda Jefferies at (832) 394-6308.

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March 21, 2021

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

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